Best Campgrounds near Boles, AR

Camping options in the Ouachita National Forest near Boles, Arkansas include a range of developed campgrounds and dispersed sites. Queen Wilhelmina State Park offers tent and RV camping along with cabin accommodations, situated atop Rich Mountain with scenic overlooks. Turner Creek Road and Blue Knob Road provide more primitive dispersed camping alternatives for those seeking solitude in the forest. The area features both established campgrounds with amenities and remote forest areas for more rustic experiences.

Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed sites requiring careful navigation on forest roads. Several campgrounds offer paved parking while backcountry areas may need higher clearance vehicles. A review mentioned that Blue Knob Road is "tight...but its 1500 feet" and advised, "Don't try to pull in. Back in off the Buck Mountain." Flash flooding can be a concern in low-lying areas, particularly near creeks and rivers. Shirley Creek area has posted warning signs about flash flooding risks. Summer temperatures are typically moderate at higher elevations like Queen Wilhelmina State Park, while lower elevations can experience more heat and humidity. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the forest, with better coverage at developed sites.

Campers frequently note the peacefulness of dispersed sites compared to the more developed areas. Turner Creek Road was described as a "very secluded spot no amenities just a rock fire ring, very peaceful." Queen Wilhelmina State Park receives positive reviews for its amenities and lodge restaurant but some campers mention that sites are "crowded, like living in a big city." Water features significantly enhance camping experiences in the area, with sites near creeks and rivers being particularly popular. Mill Creek campground was praised for having a "nice creek running by" and "flat open fields for yard games." Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the Ouachita National Forest, especially in less developed areas. Many campgrounds close or reduce services during winter months, making late spring through early fall the optimal camping season.

Best Camping Sites Near Boles, Arkansas (185)

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Recent Reviews near Boles, AR

658 Reviews of 185 Boles Campgrounds


  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Must visit !

    Beautiful campground! Sites are spacious. Area is clean and lots of things to do. Near Hot Springs so we did a lot of exploring there.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Aux Arc

    Beautiful Arkansas

    Nice campground, although they are set up to cater to RVers. The RVs are quiet because they are using commercial power and not a generator. Me and my little tent are in the "Land of the Giants". Many fishermen out on Lake Dardanelle. Quiet after Labor Day camping.

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Deep woods

    Definitely isolated, kind of creepy at night. Drove our 29ft class c to the site,road is mostly small rocks

  • Wesley H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    County Road D1590 Dispersed

    Really in the woods

    Took our class c down the narrow road. Pretty good mostly rock.camp site was clean.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    COE Lake Ouachita Crystal Springs Campground

    Nice ACOE campground

    Nice lake with beach area. Playground for kids. Clean restrooms. Some of the sites are small so check the length. Not far from Hot Springs.

  • Makayla C.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Buckville - Lake Ouachita

    Island Camping!!!

    We decided to island camp here and boy was it an experience. Day one was perfect, despite some storms, we really enjoyed ourselves. Day two we had to pack up early, flies got so horrible and wouldn’t stop biting us!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Riverfront RV Resort

    Beautiful Resort!

    We only stayed here 2 nights on our way to Colorado. Beautifully maintained, sits right on the Arkansas river. Pool is cold but clean and well maintained. The park was not even 1/4 full while we were there. I hope business picks up because it’s nice. A little pricey ($81 per night), but with Good Sam or Military discount, it helps. Ladies in the office were fantastic, each going through their purses to find enough quarters so I could wash and dry a load of clothes! Very nice! It was just TOO HOT to do much outside, especially with dogs.

  • Charity S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Irons Fork

    Peaceful

    We were the only campers had a great spot on the water for a morning shower. I used my own pop up toilet as there’s is not close to being clean. It is bear country and others trash was gone through by wildlife in the bathroom.

  • Darren J.
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Brady Mountain - Lake Ouachita

    Great memory making trip

    Saw the most beautiful sunset. Caught a deliscious catfish. Spent a day in a hamock with a fantastic lake view.


Guide to Boles

Camping near Boles, Arkansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the nature trails around Mount Magazine State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are lots of nature trails, but none very long," making it a great spot for a quick hike.
  • Fishing: Head to Denby Point for some fishing fun. A camper shared, "The swim beach was nice and we found a shady spot," perfect for a family day by the water.
  • Wildlife Watching: Enjoy the scenery at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. One visitor noted, "The views are top notch, with some incredible sunsets," ideal for spotting local wildlife.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Cossatot Falls Campsites. A review stated, "The bathroom was clean and well stocked," which is always a plus.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp. One camper mentioned, "There is lots of space between sites more than most campgrounds!!!"
  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Waveland Park. A visitor said, "The scenery was amazing! We went in mid-September and there were no annoying bugs."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cossatot Falls Campsites, have no drinking water or electric hookups. A review noted, "No running water or electricity but it was a great place to have a picnic and explore!"
  • Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in areas like Queen Wilhelmina State Park. One camper mentioned, "Cell service was spotty," so plan accordingly.
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Some sites, such as those at Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor shared, "Limited camp sites; first come first serve at times."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas, like Denby Point. A family shared, "We had a great time with our 2 and 4-year-old. The swim beach was nice."
  • Nature Exploration: Choose spots with easy access to trails, such as Mount Magazine State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "There are lots of nature trails," perfect for little explorers.
  • Pack Snacks: Bring along snacks and drinks, especially for places like Shady Lake Campground, where amenities may be limited. A camper noted, "The campground seemed well maintained and everyone respectful of each other."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The campsite layout is…weird," so be cautious.
  • Bring a Booster: If you rely on cell service, consider bringing a booster. A camper at Cedar Lake (Oklahoma) Equestrian Camp said, "Cell Service is bad...was only able to get a weak signal."
  • Plan for Water Access: Some campgrounds, like Cossatot Falls Campsites, lack water hookups. A visitor noted, "There are six very large pads right by the river," so be prepared to bring your own water.

Camping near Boles, Arkansas, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Boles, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, Boles, AR offers a wide range of camping options, with 185 campgrounds and RV parks near Boles, AR and 29 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Boles, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Boles, AR is Queen Wilhelmina State Park — Queen Wihelmina State Park with a 3.6-star rating from 17 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Boles, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Boles, AR.

What parks are near Boles, AR?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 parks near Boles, AR that allow camping, notably Ouachita National Forest and Gillham Lake.